HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1210

Title:  An act relating to civil jurisdiction of district courts.

Brief Description:  Adjusting the jurisdictional amount for district courts.

Sponsors:  Representatives Sheahan, Appelwick, Robertson, Kessler, Romero, Wensman and Costa.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Trudes Hutcheson (786-7384).

Background:  Generally, district courts have jurisdiction over civil cases if the value of the claim or the amount at issue does not exceed $25,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorneys= fees.  RCW 3.66.020.  District courts do not have jurisdiction over civil actions involving title to real property, actions for the foreclosure of a mortgage or enforcement of a lien on real estate, and actions for false imprisonment, libel, slander, malicious prosecution, criminal conversation, or seduction.  RCW 3.66.030.

Summary of Bill:  The jurisdictional amount for district court is raised from $25,000 to $35,000.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

                 Office of Program Research